Social Work, M.S.W.

The M.S.W. prepares students for ethical, competent, independent social work practice. The program focus is Clinical/Community Practice with individuals, families, groups and communities. The M.S.W. program of study is designed to meet the course requirements of those students who wish to pursue a clinical social work license in Florida and to meet the diverse needs of the local community (e.g., rural, small town, metropolitan and economically disadvantaged service areas).

Cohorts

Advanced StandingThe Advanced Standing program is limited to exceptional students who hold the BSW degree from a CSWE accredited social work program. The program is designed to be completed in three semesters, including summer term. The student completes 600 hours of field education during the program. Field education is completed during the week, concurrently with the classroom instruction.

Regular, Full-TimeThe Full-time program is designed to be completed in five straight semesters including the summer term. The program includes 900 hours of field education. The foundation placement is for one semester (300 hours) in a foundation agency. The advanced placement is for two semesters (600 hours) in a clinical setting, in the same agency.

Regular, Part-TimeThe Part-time program is designed to be completed in seven semesters including summer terms. The program includes 900 hours of field education which is completed during the week during daytime hours. The first foundation placement is for one semester (300 hours) in a foundation agency. The advanced placement is for two semesters (600 hours) in the same clinical setting.

Cohorts

Social Work Field EducationField Education is an integral component of Department Work Education, anchored in the mission, goals, and educational objectives of the program. It occurs in settings that reinforce students’ identification with the purposes, values, and ethics of the profession; fosters the integration of empirical and practice-based knowledge; and promotes the developments and enhancement of clinical social work knowledge and skills.

Admission Requirements

In addition to the University graduate admission requirements described in the Graduate Admissions section of the catalog, the department bases decisions for regular admission on a holistic review of credentials in which the criteria listed below are used to assess the potential success of each applicant.

University Requirements*• Submission of Graduate Application and Processing Fee • Submission of official transcripts *International students may have additional requirements.

Departmental Requirements• Submission of one of the following graduate admission test scores: GRE or MAT • Undergraduate cumulative GPA • Academic preparation as demonstrated by quality and relevance of undergraduate degree major • Submission of a personal statement using the required Social Work Personal Statement form • Submission of three letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with the applicant's ability to succeed in a graduate program (Advanced Standing applicants must include one recommendation form from a supervisor who provided supervision during their 400-hour senior field placement)• Submission of the MSW Criminal History Form• Submission of a copy of final evaluation (only required for Advanced Standing applicants who received their undergraduate social work degree from an institution other than UWF)• Work experience as documented in the MSW Program Application